That trip changed me. It wasn’t just about the stunning landscapes or the culture I immersed myself in, it was the people I met along the way. Strangers who welcomed me like family, conversations that left lasting imprints on my soul, and friendships that have stood the test of time. Some of my best friends today are people I met during those early travels, and it was on those journeys that I made a promise to myself: one day, I will visit every country in the world.
But as fulfilling as this dream is, it’s never been without its emotional weight. In the quiet moments, as I watch a sunset on a faraway beach or marvel at the beauty of a bustling foreign city, there’s always a whisper of guilt in the back of my mind. My parents, who sacrificed so much to give me this life, may never see the places I’ve been or feel the joy I’ve experienced.
This is a scenario that most immigrant children can relate to: growing up, we watched our parents work tirelessly. They left behind everything they knew - family, friends, and the familiarity of home- to start over in a foreign country so that we could have opportunities they never had. They worked relentlessly, long hours, and often unappreciated jobs, all so we could dream bigger and reach further than they ever could. And here I am, living a life they made possible but will likely never experience themselves.
Every new country I step into, every stamp in my passport, feels like a gift wrapped in their sacrifices. It’s a privilege I hold close to my heart, but it’s also a bittersweet reminder of the imbalance between the life I live and the life they gave up. There’s an ache in knowing they’ve never experienced the things I have - the freedom to explore, the joy of discovering new places, or the simple thrill of stepping into the unknown. Yet, I remind myself that maybe the best way to repay them is to truly take advantage of these moments, to embrace every sunrise in a foreign land, every conversation with a stranger, every culture I’m lucky enough to witness. Because this life is what they dreamed of for me, even if it meant giving up their own dreams.
This feeling, this mix of gratitude and guilt, has shaped how I view my travels. It has made me realize the power of sharing my experiences - not just with my parents but with others, too. Therefore, sharing my love for travel with people has become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. I’ve found so much joy in talking to others about travel, in showing them that the world is bigger than they think and that stepping outside of your comfort zone, even just once, can completely transform your life, just as it transformed mine. I want to inspire people to take those leaps, to embrace the opportunities made possible by the hard work, dedication, and love of their parents, especially those who come from backgrounds like mine.
For me, travel isn’t just about the places I visit. It’s about carrying my parents’ sacrifices with me in every journey, honoring their struggles by living a life they made possible. Every time I set foot in a new country, I remind myself that they worked tirelessly so I could have this freedom and experience. And while they may never see the sunsets I’ve seen or walk the streets of foreign cities alongside me, I try to bring those moments back to them- in stories, in photos, in the way I live my life. That, I hope, is a small way of repaying them for everything they’ve given me.